The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I recently picked up this Model D Edison Standard and it appears to have been decorated by a previous owner. The lid is interesting so I just cleaned it. When did transfers like this become available? The motor is being serviced by Cliff and the H reproducer is being repaired by Steve Medved. After those things are returned, it will be on the Trader. Jerry Blais

The decals they used is a form of the neoclassic torch and laurel wreath. The motif was very popular around the turn of the century and often used in memorials. Ironically all of them were applied on their side rather than vertical as originally intended.

The sideways placement reminds me of all of the magnetic ribbon support pieces I used to see on peoples cars about 10 years ago - they always seemed to show the ribbon on its side - defying gravity...but I think most of these people just had a hard time reading things sideways or didn't get it.....

Your decals could have been put on by the original owner or by a dealer - they were very familiar with applying decals to advertise their own business and it could have been a request by a buyer or just a home project has you suspected.

water-slide decals were widely available beginning in the 1870's. They became a craze.